How to Get to Pebble Beach and Play a Round of Golf: The Ultimate Golfer’s Guide
Your Ultimate Guide to Getting to Pebble Beach and Playing a Legendary Round
For golf enthusiasts around the world, Pebble Beach Golf Links is more than a course—it's a pilgrimage. With its dramatic ocean views, championship history, and iconic layout, Pebble Beach is a once-in-a-lifetime experience every golfer dreams of.
If you're planning a golf getaway to the Monterey Peninsula, here's everything you need to know about getting to Pebble Beach and playing a round at one of the world’s most famous golf courses.
Where is Pebble Beach?
Pebble Beach is located on California’s central coast, between the cities of Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea. It sits inside the exclusive 17-Mile Drive gated community, surrounded by natural beauty and world-class resort properties.
Getting to Pebble Beach
🛫 By Air
The closest airports to Pebble Beach are:
Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) – Just 15 minutes away; offers direct flights from major hubs like San Francisco, L.A., Phoenix, and Denver.
San Jose International Airport (SJC) – About 90 minutes north.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – Around 2 hours north.
🚗 By Car
If you're driving from:
San Francisco – Take US-101 South or scenic CA-1 South (~2 hours).
Los Angeles – Take US-101 North or CA-1 North (~5–6 hours).
Parking is complimentary for Pebble Beach guests and players. Upon arrival, head through the 17-Mile Drive entrance and follow signs to The Lodge at Pebble Beach.
Booking a Tee Time at Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach is open to the public, but getting a tee time requires early planning—especially during peak season (April–October).
✅ Option 1: Stay at a Pebble Beach Resort
Book a room at The Lodge at Pebble Beach, The Inn at Spanish Bay, or Casa Palmero.
Resort guests can book tee times up to 18 months in advance.
This also gives you access to other courses like Spyglass Hill and The Links at Spanish Bay.
✅ Option 2: Day-of or Last-Minute Tee Times
Limited tee times are released for non-resort guests within 24 hours.
Solo golfers may find last-minute spots by calling the Golf Shop at 1-800-877-0597.
💵 Cost to Play
Expect to pay $625+ per round (as of 2025).
Caddie services and cart fees are additional.
What to Expect During Your Round
Pebble Beach delivers more than golf—it’s a sensory experience:
Hole 7: A 106-yard par-3 perched above the Pacific.
Hole 8–10: Known as one of the greatest stretches in golf.
Hole 18: The famous oceanfront finishing hole wrapping around Stillwater Cove.
You'll enjoy concierge-level service, impeccable fairways, and picture-perfect scenery from start to finish.
Pro Tip: Hire a Professional Golf Photographer
This isn't just another round—it's your Pebble Beach round. Hiring a professional photographer to document the day is one of the best investments you can make.
Why?
📸 Capture iconic moments like your tee shot on Hole 7 or a birdie on 18.
🖼️ Create stunning keepsakes worthy of your office wall or golf den.
🎉 Preserve the memories of your golf trip with friends or family forever.
Professional photographers know the best angles, lighting, and locations—so you can focus on the round while they take care of the storytelling.
Final Thoughts: Make It Worth Every Step
Getting to Pebble Beach is part of the adventure, but playing it? That’s where the magic happens.
So whether you’re flying in for the weekend or building a once-in-a-lifetime golf trip, be sure to:
Book early
Stay on-site if possible
Treat yourself to a photographer
And savor every swing
Start planning your unforgettable Pebble Beach golf experience today—and don’t forget to bring your “A” game.